Friday afternoon the Booneville Elementary School was treated by exterminators to kill bedbugs.

"Bedbugs are probably the modern day equivalent to head lice, " Superintendent John Parrish said. "I assure you that Booneville Schools is not the only school in this area that has had some bedbugs in their school."

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Currently, exterminators are spraying hallways and classrooms to kill bedbugs.

The superintendent tells 40/29 News school officials found them last week. But, parents were not immediately notified until a week later after some parents emailed 40/29 News.

"I did not think it was an emergency, " Parrish said. "If there's any fault or anyone to blame, that would be me."

Parrish says school officials have not identified any particular child or family that may be the source of the bedbugs. He says they're not taking any chances even though only a few bedbugs were found in a classroom, hallway and inside the office.

Exterminators have agreed to help treat any students home that may be infected. Parents can contact the superintendents office for help.